Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency replaces DSA and VOSA

As the Ministry announced in June last year, on 1st April 2014, and this was no joke, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Vehicle and Operating Services Agency (VOSA) are officially replaced by Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) with responsibility for setting, testing and enforcing driver and vehicle standards in Great Britain.
So far the two agencies had been working closely together and as Robert Goodwill said: “This decision was made following the motoring services strategy consultation, and is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to put customers and businesses at the heart of its services.
“The two organizations have a history of working closely together and the merger is an opportunity for the DVSA to provide even better and more efficient customer service to motorists and commercial operators. I fully support the new agency and look forward to seeing the DVSA take shape from April 2014.”
Incorporation of DSA and VOSA is reflected in bringing together their services and founds after the period of transition.
The newly formed Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is taking over the responsibilities of both DSA and VOSA:

improving road safety in Great Britain by setting standards for driving and motorcycling,

education and training of drivers and riders,

carrying out driving and riding tests,

providing a range of licensing, testing and enforcement services with the aim of improving the roadworthiness standards of vehicles,

ensuring the compliance of operators and drivers with road traffic legislation,

supporting the independent Traffic Commissioners,

The range of DVSA activity will also include:

processing applications for licences to operate lorries and buses,

operating testing schemes for all vehicles

enforcing the law to ensure vehicles comply with legal standards and regulations,

enforcing drivers’ hours and licensing requirements,

providing training and advice for commercial operators,

investigating vehicle accidents, defects and recalls, and

running tests for instructors of large goods vehicles, as well as driver trainers.

Hopefully Alastair Peoples, who became the chief executive of the single agency, will maintain the same or even higher service standards and efficiency as he did managing both DSA and VOSA. All drivers are advised to check regularly the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency to keep up with the changes and legislative amendments.
Keep in mind that the UK has one of the best road safety records in the world, which was achieved by improving the skills and attitudes of drivers and riders, and providing better safety education the government can further reduce the cost of emergency services, health and welfare services, insurance, traffic congestion, as well as the personal cost to people affected by road collisions.